Gage David Petit

I was instructed to address him as Gage David somewhere around age 4; by him. And I addressed him no other way after.

Gage David, this is the strongest human will I have ever seen. With the physical strength of someone five times his size and a nose for shenanigans, there was going to be no outcome other than what Aunt Meanie termed Gageraide. A boy with endless curiosity and energy. A boy with uncorked laughter and a heart sized to match his will and strength.

Gage David was the youngest of Kristi-Jeans three. Aura and EJ have taken this especially hard as has his number 1 fan, Tyler Hardesty. Tyler’s gift for rules interpretation and ensuing chaos made these two a match made in heaven. Gages trend toward colorful language may very well have started at the controls of Grand Theft Auto with his boy Tyler.

There is no better description of this boy than the words of his friend Aaron Whaley: “Gages smile and infectious laughter affected every single person he met. He never knew a stranger and his willingness to share all of who he was with anyone and everyone he met will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him and loved him.”

To his parents and confidants: Kristi, Aunt Meanie, Cayla, and to his heart broken grand parents and extended family- I am truly sorry for your loss and pray you find shelter and healing in God’s grace.

Lord, at the moment nothing seems to be able to help the loss I feel.

My heart is broken and my spirit mourns.

All I know is that Your grace is sufficient.

This day, this hour

Moment by moment

I choose to lean on You,

For when I am at myt weakest Your strength is strongest.

I pour out my grief to You

And praise You that on one glorious day

When all suffering is extinguished and love has conquered

We shall walk together again.